Unlocking a Free Domain in 2023: 3 Legitimate Methods

Are you eager to establish an online presence without breaking the bank? In the digital landscape of 2023, securing a free domain name is not only possible but also easier than you might think.

In this blog, we'll explore three legitimate methods to help you unlock the perfect domain name from a domain registration company without reaching for your wallet.

So, are you ready to delve into the world of free domain acquisition? Let's get started!

Why is Choosing and Checking Domain Name Availability Important for Your Website?

Consider your domain name as the virtual identity of your website.

This name serves as a crucial link for visitors looking to access and navigate your site, underscoring the significance of crafting an optimal domain name.

A general guideline is to opt for a concise and straightforward domain name from a reliable domain provider company, making it effortless for people to commit it to memory.

Ideally, the domain name should incorporate a keyword relevant to your industry or be synonymous with your business name. Once you've settled on a domain name, it's imperative to search to determine its availability.

The most convenient approach is to explore the Whois database, which catalogs all existing registered domains, providing insights into a domain's current owner, availability status, and expiration date.

In the event that your desired domain name is already taken, you could potentially negotiate with the current owner for its acquisition or brainstorm an alternative domain name.

Below, we'll outline three methods to acquire a domain for free:

1. Obtain a Complimentary Domain Name Alongside Your Web Hosting Package

2. Opt for a Free Domain Registrar

3. Get a Free Domain Name Through an Integrated Website Building Platform

 

1. Obtain a Complimentary Domain Name Alongside Your Web Hosting Package

Web hosting bundles frequently encompass complimentary domain names and professional email addresses.

For individuals seeking to construct their website via WordPress, considering Websouls as their hosting service could be a prudent choice.

Websouls not only boasts WordPress endorsement but also provides free domain registration for the first year, catering to customers in search of a comprehensive domain registration company.

Likewise, other hosting companies have a similar feature of complimentary domain registration during the first year in their hosting bundles.

Alongside this, these hosting packages commonly encompass secure socket layer (SSL) certificates, unlimited bandwidth, marketing utilities, automated backups, and strong security protocols.

Hosting prices may fluctuate, with certain schemes commencing at roughly INR 246 per month during the preliminary year, catering to cost-conscious clients seeking a dependable domain registration company.

2. Opt for a Free Domain Registrar

Freenom proudly touts itself as the pioneering free domain registration company globally.

These complimentary domains function just like any other domain, complete with URL forwarding, access to the Freenom DNS Service, or the option to employ your very own domain name service (DNS) or name servers.

The domain extensions currently available for free registration encompass .TK, .ML, .GA, .CF, and .GQ. In contrast to paid domain services, individuals who possess free domains through Freenom are devoid of transfer rights.

Moreover, both GetFreeDomain.Name and Dot TK are companies that also offer free domain registration services with accompanying DNS support, affording you the flexibility to host them in the manner that best suits your needs.

However, it's important to note that these best cheap domain registrars are primarily recommended for personal use.

Their inherent lack of security features and the absence of email services, coupled with the somewhat unprofessional appearance of their websites, render free domains less than ideal for businesses in need of a robust online presence.

3. Get a Free Domain Name Through an Integrated Website Website-Building Platform

Integrated website-building platforms such as Wix, Weebly, and Squarespace sometimes provide a free name for the first year in addition to their hosting services.

These platforms are popular because of their user-friendly design, which makes it possible for anyone without any coding experience to construct professional websites with easily configurable templates and simple drag-and-drop features.

While these services come at a higher cost compared to setting up a WordPress site through a hosting provider, they provide a user-friendly interface that is more accessible to the average individual.

Many popular website-building companies offer free domain registration with their premium subscriptions for a whole year.

However, it's important to note that not all plans may include the provision of business email addresses, unlike certain hosting packages.

Understanding the Post-Registration Process of Your New Domain

Following the registration of your domain with a free plan from a company, hosting service, or website builder, the activation process typically spans between 24 to 72 hours.

During this time, the Domain Name System (DNS) replicates the name globally, ushering in its full-fledged activity.

Within approximately 48 hours, your domain finds its place within the publicly accessible Whois database, which meticulously logs all domain registrations.

Searching through the owner's IP information for any registered website is made possible by this extensive database. It also allows recently registered website owners to check the availability of the domain name they wish to purchase.

Should the selected name not be accessible for registration at this time, the database offers information regarding the registration's expiration date.

As required by the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), which locks most bought UK domains after registration, it's crucial to remember that domain transfers are not possible during the first sixty days of registration.

For an efficient way to secure a professional website, consider opting for a web-building service or a hosting provider.

These services not only facilitate domain registration in the UK but also provide a range of advantageous features, including diverse website templates, complimentary security measures, and e-commerce functionalities, among others.

It is crucial to note that while some of the best companies offer free or cheap domain registration initially, this benefit typically applies for the first year or two, after which an annual fee is imposed.

By Websouls Content Team - 04 Jan 2024